Google Starts Android Nougat 7.1 Rollout to Developers

Google this week released the developer preview of Android Nougat 7.1.

Nougat 7.1 comes pre-loaded on Google's new Pixel smartphones, and lets you swipe up from the bottom for a quick view of your apps, among other things.

Everyone else will get it on a rolling basis; Google is starting with a beta version for developers with Nexus devices (Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, and Pixel C) so they can "tease out any device-specific issues." It will then arrive on other devices in November before the final public release to the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) in December.

The 7.1 preview "gives you everything you need to test your app on the new platform or extend it with new features," Dave Burke, vice president of engineering, wrote in a blog post.

Features like circular launcher icons to match Google's new Pixel phones and support for image keyboards (inserts stickers and GIFs in text). Engadget also tipped a new restart button in the power menu.

Nougat includes more than 250 "major features," including more personalization and productivity options, better power management, support for advanced 3D and VR platforms like Daydream, and upgraded security. For more, see PCMag's review and our roundup of Nougat tips.

If you're planning to pick up a 128GB Pixel XL at a Verizon Wireless store today, meanwhile, think again.

Shipping estimates have been pushed to Nov. 18 on Verizon's website.

Shoppers too impatient to wait can make the choice between a 5.5-inch XL size with 32GB of internal storage or the 5-inch handset in 32GB or 128GB.

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